It's official. The Grey People has re-commenced filming after an unsettling day of events which lead the original film to be lost forever. And while I say that the overall story of the film will be filmed exactly like before, It will have one drastic change...

IT WILL BE SHOT IN HIGH DEFINITION!!!

How? well, as some of your know, Tarison has provided the community with a way to edit the PRX files in which govern the Windows Media data on them, and with some adjustments, this new film and all the other down the line will be shot in the resolution of 2,048x872.

This means no more pixels, no more interlacing - pure clear digital picture. Upon release, people will have the option to watch/stream it in HD or download it. Either way, it will be the best viewing choice for all the die hard sci-fi fans.



SO WHAT IS "THE GREY PEOPLE"?

Some of you may be reading about this film for the first time. So what is this new film I'm directing? "The Grey People" is the first of a planned trilogy of films which tell the story of an engineer named Nick Stratum. When a catastrophic event occures to the earth, he finds himself waking up 2,000 years into the future. The human race has seemingly vanished and the world has become a barren wasteland. But his world is flipped upside down when he comes across mysterious humanoid creatures in which he calls "The Grey People". And through them, he discovers the painful if not sad consequences for our very choices today.

WHAT MAKES THIS FILM SPECIAL?

This film is combining many different CG sequences into it created by D.L. Watson (myself) which help guide the story seamlessly. But we've all seen CG in films before. So what makes this film stand out, in our eyes, its the rich environment and patience we are animating into this film. This film will not be rushed, it will not use borrowed material to help get a sequence finished faster. This film will have a completely original score being conducted from Nathan Allen Pinard (who has done several WOW machinima's; friend of mine) and will use scenes either created in game or CG elements created by hand/and or purchase or royalty free CG models.

ANY STARS ATTACHED?

The main leads for the film have been casted. Nathan Allen Pinard (voiced WOW machinimas/gaming podcasts) is voicing Nick Stratum and Candace Holly (voiced WOW machinimas/gaming podcasts) is voicing aka "The Grey Girl". But there are certainly many more roles available! I will post a casting call for those roles as soon as animation is finished.

EXPECTED RELEASE DATE?

Everyone can expect this film to be released in sometime 2009. If it had not been for the recent hard drive failure, this would have been released sometime this year. However, this film is expected to be around 50 minutes long and certainly will take some time getting it released.

IF I WANTED TO HELP, HOW COULD I?

We definitely need modifications built or found for the film. If you are not a modder, but would like to help, please PM me and I can make you a mod scout - a person to look and find modifications already built for me. But I do need some proprietary mods built and if you are interested, please pm me and I'll tell you my request.

The mods I'm using so far in the game are as follows:

hisstorymn - Grey Skin Texture
Phrozin - Phrozin Eyes
Alshten - Old Factory/Destroyed Basket Court
bloox87 - moving ground
coolcalx - fire prop
Disthron - monster props
Duel - white house press room
evolchild - consoles/Glass Office of 2020
Fraasmovies - oval office/Laserwall
Frenhofer - floop props
Rogue - zombi dog
Skelch - new passenger shuttles
Walvince - robot props
andrzchi - cracked desert
crAZRick - craz office/crAZ Corridor/crAZ Reception
eobaggs - future corridor
java192 - city amended
MelGhoul - desert
Patella - white sets
TempleoftheGods - Future City
Lizard - Floop Tiles
marvellousguppimovies - sci-fi apartment pieces/command center/cave/lowered bluescreen set/hypersleep chamber/death star throne room/sci-fi apartment/bio hazard suite
rysto - sci-fi corridor pack/Animated Actor Props/sci-fi bridge pack
Fraas - Sewer system
Rik_Vargard - Space base

This list will grow as more modifications are constructed.

IN CLOSING

This film will truly entertain people. I hope that I can make it the best that I can and entertain all of you. I will be frequently posting notes on the production and I will soon be releasing behind the scene video diaries on the making-of. Just show me some support below to help encourage me on the bad days, and help me work harder on the days.

Until the next post, have a great one.

Weren't they floor mods, not floop mods?

ubernewbie:

Weren't they floor mods, not floop mods?

I blame my keyboard, its the only explanation.

FILMING BEGINS ON "THE GREY PEOPLE"

On Wednesday, 2008, Threshold Animation Studios' digital studio lot reopened, and the press where lined outside the door. Everything had be completely reconstructed with some new sets for what seems (and hope) might be some added scenes. Its amazing how fast everything seemed to have been fixed after the unfortunate event where the digital studio along with all the stored footage became lost in cyberspace - but nonetheless, as director/producer D.L. Watson states, "We will survive and so will this film".

But we didn't see D.L. anywhere this afternoon as filming commenced instantly on the new sci-fi adventure "The Pathopens Project: The Grey People". Instead, it seems an undisclosed Assistant Director was shooting to what is reportedly one of the first scenes of the film. Modelers unveiled some carved stone work and placed it onto the small blue screen set. They sent the camera straight down a small hole buried down into the rock. Thereafter, they switched sets to a futuristic miniature of a city, they brought in some large wall sections and surrounded the entire miniature. They filmed a shot where the camera comes straight down from aerial view and pans down to street level. Then they brought out a small space-ship model and manipulated it to fly and land on top of one of the miniature buildings. The assistant director said that was a wrap and that was it for the day.

Although we did not get to see or talk to D.L. Watson in person today, he did leave a small statement in which reads: "Yes, today was the official film start date for this "remake" and it also served as a test to really see the difference in quality between our old export and our new HD export - and I must say - this will be a visual treat for everyone. In a way, we are glad that the hard drives failed, we - mainly I wanted to do the [The Grey People] in HD, but didn't discover the best way to do it until half way through. And I didn't want the quality of the film to suddenly change half way through."

Wow. Well, we know that some people may find the wait for this film too far away, but I must say, just from what I've seen in filming today, I'm sure it will entertain people at least. If you want to see the filming process, click on the photo's scattered about or check out the ones below.

Until next time,

I'm

Fredrick R'zuel Ada Penvison Shwarts

Official New Press for Moonlight Pictures

Very studio and sets!

Very !

If you need help,PM me or skype me!My skype name is happyhello3!

TheHappyIsland

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My name is Happy!TheHappyIsland

MAN OH MAN - WHAT A BUSY DAY!!!!

As soon as I woke up, Shaynedude had a set of interview questions for me to answer, and I tackled my way through those - he should be posting that interview soon! Afterwords, I had to go to all the websites in which I purchased software from and re-download all of the great tools I use to create my films - including upgrading some. The biggest upgrade was my 3ds Max program, which was previously the 2008 version, and now its the incredibly awesome 2009 version. Great features! I recommend any 3D newbies to download the trial version and give it a try.

I re-downloaded some plugins for my Sony Vegas 8 pro which add nice film tones over the raw footage. Then I went to my favorite webpage and downloaded some 3D models and after all that was accomplished, I began CG work for the film.

I redesigned the films logo to enhance "The Pathopens Project" aspect of the title, since really, this is first film of three and "The Grey People" is only a small but relevant aspect of the story.

I then began animating the opening sequences which features a scene in which the camera pulls up from the darkness to reveal a very alien looking surface of the earth - which sets a foreshadow to the events to come. I've included a screenshot of the animation below.

Well, thats all for this film, but I've also begun productions on a previous project I was working on before "The Grey People" as well as a brand new production (and far smaller) that will be released after "The Grey People".

If I don't post again (not likely) until next week,
Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend!



------------------------------------------
THANKS THEHAPPYISLAND!
You are definitely added to my skype account!

If anyone else wants to get in touch with me for any reason, add me on skype, my user name is: moonlightpictures

D.L, too bad about losing all your work, i know how crushing that can be. I also know that you charge ahead in spite of adversity.

luck with the project, make it better than ever, I'm in if you still need me.

gp

goofparade:

D.L, too bad about losing all your work, i know how crushing that can be. I also know that you charge ahead in spite of adversity.

luck with the project, make it better than ever, I'm in if you still need me.

gp

Thank man! I appreciate those comments.

AND YES!!! OF COURSE I STILL NEED YOU IN THIS FILM. IT WOULD BE ALMOST A SIN FOR A SCI-FI FILM TO NOT HAVE GOOFPARADE!!

Today horror director Shaynedude had a chance to talk with director D.L. Watson of Moonlight Pictures for his upcoming 2009 film "The Pathopens Project: The Grey People".

Shaynedude: Hello
Moonlightpictures : Hello -sir.

Shaynedude: Well first of all, can you give a bit of insight to what your new film "The Pathopens Project: The Grey People" is about?
Moonlight Pictures : Absolutely. The story takes place somewhat into the future where we as a human race have united somewhat as a global nation, thanks to an organization called "Pathopens" which was created half way through World War III. But when the renewable resources finally become extinct, Pathopens begins a project to harness the power of fusion. They create a massive fusion reactor in the middle of the pacific ocean and several sub-stations, including one thats underneath Chicago where the main character, Nick Stratum works. During the first stages of the main reactors activation, something goes terribly wrong and Nick Stratum finds himself waking up two-thousand years into the future. Thats when his adventure begins.

Shaynedude: What kind of new technology are you working with for the film?
Moonlight Pictures: As most people who have read the production thread, we are shooting the film in HD. I must thank Tarison for his help with this - but I'm surprised more people don't do it - its quite easy. We are using the newest edition to Autodesk's 3ds Max, my prefered 3D application, and we are striving to use the best looking mods to help enhance the story.

Shaynedude: And you once mentioned a directors cut, will you do that for this too, since your loss?
Moonlight Pictures: I've never been a person to like a director's cut, especially when its for independent productions in which are not operated by a studio which has the final say in how a film turns out. However, I do believe in making two different versions of a film which may pertain to the more artistic viewing experience rather then the those who watch for the pace and action. So there may be a Special Extended Edition much like "Lord of the Rings". But I can't say when something like that would be released, but I can promise that there will be a digital DVD download for free.

Shaynedude: And how did you feel after your loss?
Moonlight Pictures: Devastated. I was so excited for what I was creating - it was so atmospheric and so rich with science-fiction that I loved from the late 70's. Even though it wasn't shot in HD, like this new one will be, It developed very nicely which is why every shot will match what we had shot before, with the exceptions to some added scenes for story clarity, and obviously the HD picture.

Shaynedude: Did you know exactly how long the thing you shot was?
Moonlight Pictures: What we had animated, it was at 22 minutes - and that was just the first act. It's going to be roughly about 1 hour and 30 minutes when finished - a feature length film.

Shaynedude: And when will your official site be back up?
Moonlight Pictures: Well, thanks to a hacker, the site has been down. But the delay isn't because of the hacker, I actually have a ready built site, however my host is in the process of updating its Fantastico (a web installer), and when its finished, you will see our official site go live. In the meantime, you can watch our films at Vimeo, or at moonlightpictures.blip.tv

Shaynedude: Why are the people grey?
Moonlight Pictures: You know that I can't answer that - if I did, it would ruin an aspect of the film. I can say and kill any rumors that they are not Zombies - I'm not making a rip-off of I am Legend. This is a far more complicated and original story then that.

Shaynedude: Well, nice talking to you.
Moonlight Pictures: Yes, and to you too. Thanks for having me. If anyone wants to talk to me, add me on Skype: moonlightpictures

HEY EVERYONE!!!

Man - I sure did break out a lot of scenes today! I'm working on now some of my CG work. I've got some High Quality screenies below. I built some new sets thanks to Guppi's sci-fi apartment pieces - and boy, the export in HD is awesome!

Anyways, time for a small break until tomorrow. Catcha then.

Bravo.

---

The Last three movies I've seen from first to last:
Body of Lies: 10/10
Changeling: 8/10
Quantum of Solace: Seven/10

Bravo. So, will part 1 be feature length, or is that for the whole story?

---

The Last three movies I've seen from first to last:
Body of Lies: 10/10
Changeling: 8/10
Quantum of Solace: Seven/10

The Grey People should run around one hour upon release, and I may release an special extended edition that may add a half hour or so. This will be the same for the sequels as well.

9 HOURS OF SHOOTING!!!

I'm on a role! I'm having so much fun re-making this film - I only wish you could of seen the footage from the last animation because this new stuff is 100 TIMES BETTER!!! Before, I (for I don't know why) did not have the sci-fi apartment pieces and was frustrated because of me constantly using the bland and overly used corridor sets that the movies stunts and effects supplies. But boy, with the sci-fi pieces, Its opened a whole new door of customization. I was able to customize General Maltur's office - even with a perspective correct city through his window that isn't a backdrop, but actually a city prop. I love force perspective.

--kinda like in terminator when it shows the skulls on the ground. the ones closest to the camera are life-size, but the ones in the foreground are the size of pingpong balls--

So, As you can see from the screenshots below, I've got alot of customized sets. some look weird because I have like corridors and bridges laid ontop of them, well, this was to create a more realistic roof for when they walk down the hall. I do find that the roof provided in the sci-fi pieces to be unable to see when you place it, and it jitters when you play back the footage. SO I IMPROVISED.

Also, I've written in some scenes to help expand the history of what the "pathopens project" really is and introduced a character I was only going to mention (much like how the emperor is mentioned in Episode IV) and the character expanded as the second a third movies come about, however, introducing this mysterious character provides more insight to the audience to whom the protagonist is and the antagonist.

Also, Moonlight Pictures webpage will be active soon and we will be beginning a new compaign of our year donations for projects and support, and this year, we would like to include our friends. We will have some information soon how you can earn real cash by helping us get donations for our live-action projects! So keep and eye out!!

CHECK OUT THE PRODUCTION PHOTOS FOR TODAY'S FILMING BELOW!













Well, thats all really for today! I dare everyone to write one comment when they open this thread. If you have read this far, you might as well say something. So tell me below! I'd love to hear from you!

Very but i want to know if you need me in this film!

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My name is Happy!TheHappyIsland

I've noticed typos in your writing for this thread. Would you like me to proofread for grammar mistakes in your script? I've done it for BenTuttle's Stranded (which is being executively produced by me). I was very helpful in, that I, was able to replace wrong punctuation with correct punctuation, and, I managed to only change a few words, or fix the syntax for when the meaning of the words are too obscure as they were, or when the words needed other, more intelligent-sounding, or easier synonyms. When it comes to script proofreading, I'm the Jack of All Trades. So hit me up on Skype if you'd like my help.

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The Last three movies I've seen from first to last:
Body of Lies: 10/10
Changeling: 8/10
Quantum of Solace: Seven/10

Wow...this movie looks epic. I've only read about it and seen the screen shots, but I don't throw the word epic around like it's nothing. Especially for The Movies movies. It looks like it may end up being, in many people's opinion, the greatest movie on TMO. It's not only 1 hour and 30 minutes or more, but look at all the extremely hard work that's been put into the CG. I can't wait until it's released. It'll probably make me forget that it's being made with The Movies (along with other things, of course.) luck with it.

nexusinteract:

I've noticed typos in your writing for this thread. Would you like me to proofread for grammar mistakes in your script? I've done it for BenTuttle's Stranded (which is being executively produced by me). I was very helpful in, that I, was able to replace wrong punctuation with correct punctuation, and, I managed to only change a few words, or fix the syntax for when the meaning of the words are too obscure as they were, or when the words needed other, more intelligent-sounding, or easier synonyms. When it comes to script proofreading, I'm the Jack of All Trades. So hit me up on Skype if you'd like my help.

Thanks but no thanks. I know I have errors in my grammar, but when I post these, its at 1 am in the morning after a long day of animation. My concern isn't how I say it, its posting some pics up with a small blurbs for viewers to see my advancement.

OnlyRevolutions:

Wow...this movie looks epic. I've only read about it and seen the screen shots, but I don't throw the word epic around like it's nothing. Especially for The Movies movies. It looks like it may end up being, in many people's opinion, the greatest movie on TMO. It's not only 1 hour and 30 minutes or more, but look at all the extremely hard work that's been put into the CG. I can't wait until it's released. It'll probably make me forget that it's being made with The Movies (along with other things, of course.) luck with it.

Thanks for your comments! I hope its enjoyable for viewers. It will be about an hour for the theatrical version, but the special extended edition will be about an hour and half.

Could you guestimate now as to what month it may be out?

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The Last three movies I've seen from first to last:
Body of Lies: 10/10
Changeling: 8/10
Quantum of Solace: Seven/10

I can't really suggest any month, because when I get done with it, its getting handed over to my film composer who is going to create a beautiful score for the film. Then I'll do one more treatment on it. Ask me this question in November and I'll have a better idea for you - since I'm only about half way in animation as I was before.

Sorry

HD SCREENSHOT GALORE!!!!

Below are screen shots from the animated footage so far. Please remember while the images properly reveal the correct resolution A VERY CLEAR PICTURE, they are un-treated HD content. It has not been through the HD baking process to remove excessive pixelation.

ENJOY!!!!

Since there is no chance of being on TMO with all of the editing, I recommend using Moviestorm- because the movies you make with that is free (even copyright laws, like using the developer's game- therefore you cannot 'sell' or 'make profit' with your movies- but with MS you can)- but...my point is, you should make some scenes with that- and being that Lionhead- or really Ken won't care, it will make your movie better looking. Now, the special effects you already have may be better. And, I guess you may want to use an exclusive engine for the movie throughout, so, the MS thing was a suggestion.

---

The Last three movies I've seen from first to last:
Body of Lies: 10/10
Changeling: 8/10
Quantum of Solace: Seven/10

nexusinteract:

Since there is no chance of being on TMO with all of the editing, I recommend using Moviestorm- because the movies you make with that is free (even copyright laws, like using the developer's game- therefore you cannot 'sell' or 'make profit' with your movies- but with MS you can)- but...my point is, you should make some scenes with that- and being that Lionhead- or really Ken won't care, it will make your movie better looking. Now, the special effects you already have may be better. And, I guess you may want to use an exclusive engine for the movie throughout, so, the MS thing was a suggestion.

I hate Moviestorm. I find it to be cumbersome and incomplete. There are not as many sets available for sci-fi productions and some of them you have to pay for. No. The Movies is my number 1 and only machinima engine that I will use. I haven't had a The Movies Online Studio account since I first started doing this and I will never have one. And its not just because they wont allow me to upload a film edited outside the game, but because the quality allotted for the uploads is painful to look at in my opinion.

Uploading my videos to an official webpage that a link draws people to is in my opinion better because I can monitor the comments left on it, I can present a presentation in the highest possible quality and allow people to download a free DVD of the film.

And yes, you cannot sell your productions. But you can ask for donations. There is only a couple people here like myself who treat The Movies not like its just a game, but likes its a $3,000 software to help you make animated films. If you treat you productions professionally, you will get professional results.

I'm very happy with The Movies.

Well, I'm jealous of this production. luck.

---

The Last three movies I've seen from first to last:
Body of Lies: 10/10
Changeling: 8/10
Quantum of Solace: Seven/10

nexusinteract:

Well, I'm jealous of this production. luck.

Then why are you trying to convince me to go to a new platform? I'm confused.